Texas leads country in Super PAC giving — by a wide margin

Texas residents have donated more money to the top 20 Super PACs than voters in any other state — an indication of how new campaign finance rules brought about by Citizens United have given a state with traditionally large pockets and even greater influence.

Although Texas is one of the top states for campaign donations in the nation, according to CQ Moneyline, it’s still $73,000 shy of California’s donations to candidates’ campaigns, political action committees, and parties — groups where all donations are under a set limit.

But when it comes down to Super PACs and the unlimited spending that has ensued, Texas is easily in first place with $36.5 million, according to an analysis done by the Houston Chronicle of the 20 largest Super PACs in terms of money received.

How big is Texas’ lead?

How ’bout this: The Lone Star State leads the nation’s largest state, California, by more than 50 percent.

California and New York — which topped Texas in donations with contribution limits — have given $22 million and $17 million to Super PACs, respectively.

The 20 Super PACs have received about 84 percent of all money given to Super PACs. While the list of top 20 does include the Texas Conservatives Fund, even without the $1.2 million in donations it has, Texas still easily beats Nevada, which comes in second place thanks to Sheldon Adelson and family who bankrolled much Newt Gingrich’s campaign.

The numbers don’t come as a surprise to Craig McDonald, the director of Texans for Public Justice.

“Texas has a culture of big giving and big checks,” McDonald said. “(Texans) are probably more encouraged to give than in New York or California.”

The culture of giving can only help Texas gain attention from candidates, even if they’re going after their checkbooks rather than their votes, McDonald said.

“The Super PACs are going to make it much more lucrative for people with Super PACs to come through Texas,” McDonald said. “I think Texas donors are pleased to have candidates come down here and ask for money … they understand that with the money comes influence.”